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Mr Langley alleges there was a deliberate attempt to defraud voters at the crucial time of an election in order to sway the outcome in favour of Mr Ferguson.

He adds: “On this basis, it is my contention that by not publishing an accurate and true account of the city finances at that time in an open and transparent way to the general voting public, this has adversely affected the outcome of that election, given that candidates would have campaigned very differently in terms of their policies regarding the accumulated debt of the city council at that time.”

Mr Langley alleges that the candidates who stood for the mayoral election have been defrauded of their deposits and election expenses.

After the £29million deficit came to light, Mr Rees ordered an inquiry which led to a report being published recently by an independent consultant, Steve Bundred.

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In his findings, Mr Bundred said: “Reports on the progress of the Change Programme were consistently over-optimistic throughout 2014 and 2015, even in the face of contrary knowledge within the Council, to the extent that Members were undoubtedly misled.”

Former Bristol mayor George Ferguson

Responding to Mr Langley's claims, Mr Ferguson said: "Anyone who reads Mr Bundred's report realises he does not point his finger at me. Any attempt to lay this at my door is a transparent political move for which I have absolutely no time or respect.

"I was not even invited to give evidence to the review and had no idea it was taking place, which says it all.

"I am proud of having invested to save, leaving the city in a far sounder position than I found it, whilst maintaining and improving services in the face of relentless opposition from some Labour party politicians who clearly could not bear an independent being elected mayor.

"I inherited diminished reserves and a management vacuum in 2012 and didn't whinge but installed a strong new team and streamlined cross-party cabinet that has put the city in a remarkably good place, considering the severe cuts that have been imposed by central government.

"I wish Marvin all the best - I feel sorry for him having to put up with some of his Labour colleagues! I am greatly enjoying my freedom from this particularly silly blame game that politics has become."

Mr Rees said in a speech at the council’s budget meeting on February 21 that a further internal inquiry was being held to see if any further action should be taken in the light of Mr Bundred’s report.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset police confirmed that they had received a complaint and it had been passed to the appropriate department.

A city council spokesperson said: “We are aware of Mr Langley’s complaint to the police and will fully cooperate with an investigation, should one be forthcoming.

"We have been completely open and transparent in publishing Mr Bundred’s report, which spoke for itself."